May 8, 2012 – Miami, Florida, United States…Libna Stevens/IAD
Inter-America’s institutional boards reported on their growth, financial progress and future plans as Seventh-day Adventist board members from throughout Inter-America met in Miami, Florida, United States on May 7, 2012.
IATS
The Inter-American Theological Seminary (IATS), which offers masters and doctoral degrees to its ministers throughout ten sites, boasted about its full accreditation last year by the Association of Theological Schools. IATS reported that its campus site of the Central American University in Costa Rica would now offer doctorate in ministry.
In addition, an academic master’s degree was approved for the Adventist Adventist University in Puerto Rico, and plans are underway to offer a doctorate in Old Testament studies.
Dr. Jaime Castrejon, IATS president, informed board members that Haitian University needs one final approval by a special committee next month to begin offering a master’s degree in pastoral ministry for French-speaking ministers throughout the territory.
IATS leaders went over strategic, curriculum and operative plans, as well as an assessment plan in the works, for its master of arts and doctoral students, territory needs and more.
GEMA Editorial House
GEMA Editorial House, which serves as Inter-America’s second largest publishing house catering to the four major church regions in Mexico, reported its growth since 2010.
Erwin Gonzalez, GEMA president, and his staff reported that as of 2011, for the first time GEMA has 100 percent operating capital.
They also reported a three percent increase in sales in 2011 compared to 2010. Of these sales, 49 percent came from literature evangelists and 51% sold to church memberships. Net sales increased by 14 percent.
“We praise God for the commitment and the savings we’ve been able to have as well as the disciples regarding investments and inventory,” said Gonzalez.
Filiberto Verduzco, treasurer of the church in Inter-America, congratulated GEMA’s administrative leaders for their dedication and serious measures taken to better their finances. “We congratulate you for your tremendous efforts,” said Verduzco.
New publications were presented as well as the impact these are already making in the fast consuming membership, and churches in Mexico.
Montemorelos University
As the only institution operated directly by the Inter-American Division, Montemorelos University reported its growth, upcoming program, challenges, and its current finances during its mid-year board meeting.
Ismael Castillo, president of Montemorelos University, said the institution was already working in consultation with Andrews University to launch an architectural degree on campus in the fall of 2013.
Castillo also said the university plans to increase enrollment by 12 percent over the next four years and outlined the challenges to doing that. In addition, he said university staff is studying ways to prepare for a new generation of teachers to replace the numerous professors retiring in the coming years.
The challenge to attain more funds to support the infrastructure of the university was presented.
With its television channel and radio station running daily, Montemorelos University continues to impact its surrounding community through various outreach programs in health and education.
BHE
The Board of Higher Education approved several degree programs to be offered in several institutions throughout Inter-America. Among the new programs, the board approved Montemorelos University’s new architecture degree set to be offered next year. Authorized degrees will be sent to the General Conference for final approval.
The BHE also approved to request the International Board of Higher Education undergraduate degrees offered in Inter-American universities.
A new plan for grades K-12, includes one that will allow each union territory choose a school to become a Model School-one designed to excel in service and education among schools and institutions.
Financial incentives for these model schools will be available and other existing schools in the union territory are expected to follow after the “model school” selected.
Resources
IATS – www.interamerica.org
GEMA Editorial – www.gemaeditores.mx
Montemorelos University – www.um.edu.mx
